Most Central Java athletes unfit

JAKARTA (JP): Physical tests showed that 95 percent of Central Java's athletes, preparing to compete in the 15th National Games (PON) in Surabaya in June, had below-standard fitness.

The official in charge of research and development for the Central Java chapter of the National Sports Council (KONI), M Sajoto, said on Wednesday that the poor results of the test reflected a lack of seriousness by the athletes to maintain their physical condition. Most of them still considered the test as useless.

The chapter's chairman, Djoko Sudantoko, asked coaches to increase athletes physical condition by giving the right training programs.

Sudantoko said each athlete and coach would receive monthly allowance around Rp 1.5 million (US$200) during the training. (har)